It’s hard to beat the send-sation

It’s hard to beat the send-sation of using email to communicate quickly.

The exhilaration of efficiency feels good at first…

Until responses full of questions and opinions boomerang back into your inbox creating a thread long enough to knit a sweater.

Rather than defaulting to digital correspondence, ask yourself:

Do I need to share information or have a conversation?

Emails, texts, and direct messages are information tools because they can’t transmit tone or gestures (exclamation points and emojis don’t cut it). They work best when your message is:

Concrete

•       confirm a meeting

•       review an agenda

•       summarize action steps

•       provide updates

•       outline logistics

Phone calls and in-person/virtual meetings are conversation tools best used when the message is:

Conceptual

•       explore ideas

•       share opinions

•       engage in brainstorming

•       give feedback

•       provide coaching 

Miscommunication multiplies when we thoughtlessly default to the send button.

Let's stop the madness and start with selecting the right tool for the job.  

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